Finding Freedom in Knowing Jesus

And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. John 8:31-32,34-36

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. Romans 8:1-2 (NLT) 

“American Heritage Day” at school brought many famous Americans from all walks of life and time periods. I was proudly dressed as Sacagawea, guide to Lewis and Clark, and had diligently prepared my speech.  Sure my character and speech were the best, I thought I would win first place, at least in the third grade, maybe even the whole school! Until I heard one of the sixth graders give their speech, “Give me liberty or give me death.” After that speech, I was ready stand and fight for my freedom. 

Standing on the precipice of freedom, Patrick Henry declared, “Give me liberty or give me death.” However, few of us know the words he spoke immediately before this statement. He declared that the colonists were in chains of slavery to England and, referring to the Revolutionary War, he stated that it had already begun and, “we must not be idle.” 

Remaining idle would lead to continued slavery and probable death. His words became a battle cry into the war and repeated throughout the centuries.   

There is another revolutionary war taking place. It is not one that is recognized in the history books or world timelines. It is not one that is taking place in a foreign country or on our own domestic soil. It is the battle for the hearts and minds of every citizen of this world.

The Prince of the Power of Darkness is holding the world captive in the chains of sin, guilt, and discouragement. The enemy wants us to believe the lies that say we are okay without God; we are enough; we are self-sufficient; or that we are worthless, have no purpose, and our lives don’t really matter. Remaining idle will result in continued slavery and sure death.  

The King of Kings wants us to believe we are loved, He is enough, and His grace is sufficient to win the battle raging in our souls. In the ultimate revolution, God gave His only son, Jesus, to death on the cross, so that we might have eternal freedom from the chains of sin and the consequences we deserve. 

Jesus died on the cross, so we might have that freedom, but He did not stay there. After three days, He was victorious over death and rose from the grave. He paid the definitive price for our freedom. And now, He goes before us and fights the battle in our place. He wants us to know the Truth and be free.

 In John 14, He tells us He is the “Way, the truth, and the Life.” And in John 8, He assures us that if we know the truth, (He is the Truth) The Truth will set us free. When we belong to Him, we will be free from the power of sin that leads to our eternal destruction and be given a place in the Family of God and an eternal home in Heaven. 

He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. (NLT) Ephesians 1:7-8

Do you feel enslaved by sin, fear, or guilt? Today, let God win the revolutionary war for your soul. Ask Jesus to break your chains and give you the freedom that only He can give through the power of His death and resurrection. If you have already asked Jesus to be your savior, I encourage you to surrender the battle on a daily basis. Allow the power of God to be made perfect in your weakness.

Questions for Reflection:

1. Have you heard someone give a speech that was so inspiring that it made you want to stand up and take action right at that moment? Why did you feel that way?

2. Have you ever felt like the world is in a tug of war between good and evil? What did you do when you had those thoughts and feelings?

3. As I mentioned in the final paragraph, do you feel enslaved by sin, fear, or guilt? Pray that God would break your chains and give you complete freedom.